I'd agree with all of those outcomes, although I hope England don't lose by 20 or more, and I don't think Wales will lose by too big a margin. Still, not good for the home nations. Looking forward to the games though.

OrcaSplash wrote:Seriously, I make England slight favourites for the game.

Sure, if the game was being played in backwards land.

I'm expecting a good performance from the Welsh side. Most of the regional clubs seem to be having a fairly uplifting season at the moment, and the Magners league has been on much better form as a whole this season. I'm not expecting a victory, but it should be well fought.

OrcaSplash wrote:If England lose by 20 I will be amazed. Seriously, I make England slight favourites for the game.

Funniest thing Ive heard in a long time.

To clarify, I make England slight favourites as in for me I take them as more likely to win....I'm not Ladbrokes and I'm not laying them so hey I've got strawberry float all to lose.

I honestly think that people are going to be shocked by how well England perform in the AI's and the upcoming 6 Nations and this stands them in good preparation for the RWC next year. The main problem for England has been that they have been totally blind to the importance of quick ball in International rugby and have still tried to play the exact same way as the 'orcs' of 2003. I know people who are involved with the set up at Pennyhill and by all accounts MJ has installed a belief (see the victory over Australia) and more importantly a firm blueprint as to how he expects England to play and this is far more dynamic than people are expecting.

England now are packing talent like Youngs, Foden and Lawes and once this unit gell they are going to be world beaters.

NB: If we get strawberry floated over by 20 tomorrow I want a name change!

The only side with a remote chance of winning are Ireland. English players have no form at the highest level of club competition - the only English clubs doing somewhat well in the HC are stuffed full of foreigners. Wales have too many injuries, and Aus are in too good form at the moment.

Ireland are hungry to change the losing record they have right now, and the players have generally had good seasons. Sexton over O'Gara is a big call, the only undoing could be the selection of Mick O'Driscoll verses basically any other second row in Ireland.

TigaSefi wrote:England are utter shite under every coach since Woodward.

England performed well on numerous occasions under Ashton and did actually make the last RWC final, a feat that the marvelous All Blacks once again failed to accomplish. England early days where utter utter shite under Woodward until they stuck to and perservered with a playing style that suited the players....I'm hopeful that MJ will deliver a decent England team.

England have shown glimpses of playing some really good rugby in their last few games. We just need some consistency, and, as usual, stop giving away silly penalties. There are too many slow balls too - no momentum, no decent runs, and easier turnovers. Need to reverse that.